Toowoomba weather: Power lost, multiple crash and storms cause chaos across

After heavy rain lashed Toowoomba, causing flash flooding and traffic chaos, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting for more of the same leading up to Christmas. DETAILS HERE.

Wild weather is forecast to continue for the Darling Downs in the lead up to Christmas, days after intense rainfall led to flash flooding and left thousands of homes without power.

Bureau of Meteorology community information officer Daniel Hayes said areas near the suburb of Gorman’s Gap received between 30mm and 100mm of rain on Thursday, while 64mm was reported at the Toowoomba Airport.

“The upper level trough has since moved off, but we are looking at another upper level trough and enhancement of storm and rain activity in the days ahead,” Mr Hayes said.

“It looks like it will remain fairly quiet (Friday and Saturday) with a possibility of severe thunderstorms on Sunday, continuing into Christmas Day on Monday.”

Mr Hayes encouraged residents of the Darling Downs to keep up to date with weather warnings with the possibility of flash flooding during intense bouts of rainfall.

Storms smashed Toowoomba on Thursday afternoon, with thousands of homes without power and emergency services responding to multiple crashes.

Four crashes have reportedly occurred across South Toowoomba and Rockville, including an incident on Tor St, and crashes along Ruthven St at the intersections of Alderley and Stenner streets.

The first three crashes occurred within 20 minutes of each other.

East Creek Toowoomba, 21/12/23. Picture: Will Hunter.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews were called to a three vehicle crash at the intersection of Ruthven and Alderley streets about 3.41pm, as well as a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Ruthven and Stenner streets just before 3.50pm.

A vehicle crashed into a parked car on Tor St in Wilsonton about 3.40pm.

Then about 4.43pm QFES crews were called to another crash, this time in Harristown near Fourth Ave and Dunne St.

Water is reportedly across many roads across the city, and motorists have been asked to take caution while driving.

South Toowoomba, Ruthven St, during the deluge on Thursday evening, December 21. Picture: FB/Tracey Tmt/Toowoomba Community Notice Board

The banks of West Creek near Grand Central had nearly broken by 4pm.

Thousands of Toowoomba residents lost power late Thursday afternoon after a number of powerlines were affected at and near Kearney Springs, Darling Heights, South Toowoomba, Middle Ridge, Centenary Heights, and Torrington.

Ergon Energy reported 3808 homes and businesses lost power just after 3pm.

“The loss of supply is due to damage requiring emergency repairs. Fault finding is in progress,” Ergon reported.

It is currently unknown when power will be restored.

Toowoomba flooding at Lake Annand on Thursday, December 21, at Picture: Will Hunter

The flash flooding caused the partial closure of a Newtown business after water flooded parts of the store.

Loaves and Fishes Care Services Toowoomba took to social media to inform customers of the immediate and forced closure

“Unfortunately we have to close the cost recovery outlet early today due flooding from this sudden rain downpour resulting in flooding in our store,” the post read.

The Loaves and Fishes Care Services spokesperson said the hamper section was still open.

Toowoomba flooding at Lake Annand on Thursday, December 21, at Picture: Will Hunter

Many residents took to social media to report The Ridge Shopping Centre at Kearneys Spring lost power, which forced the major shopping complex to close trade early.

Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland also confirmed that due to the wet weather they would not be open on Thursday night.

A slow moving system will continue to move across the city over the coming hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for much of the Darling Downs early Thursday afternoon.

As the storm hit firefighters were busy stabilising a home after a van crashed into it on Greenwattle Street.

The storms mark the start of what is tipped to be a wild Christmas weekend.

East Creek Toowoomba, 21/12/23. Picture: Will Hunter.

East Creek Toowoomba, 21/12/23. Picture: Will Hunter.

East Creek Toowoomba, 21/12/23. Picture: Will Hunter.

East Creek Toowoomba, 21/12/23. Picture: Will Hunter.

Originally published as Toowoomba weather: Power lost, multiple crash and storms cause chaos across